Bill > SB365

This bill establishes new transparency and safety requirements for large-scale organic produce and meat producers in Georgia, focusing on testing, record-keeping, and disclosure. For organic produce producers with annual sales of $500,000 or more, the bill mandates monthly testing of at least 3% of produce for prohibited substances, with testing conducted by USDA-approved facilities and records maintained for five years. If prohibited substances are detected above federal limits, producers must immediately notify authorities and halt sales. For grassfed meat and pasture-raised poultry producers with annual sales of $1 million and $250,000 respectively, the bill requires detailed source verification records, transparent disclosures about animal raising practices, and specific testing protocols. For beef producers, additional requirements include disclosing the age of cattle over five years and testing for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Poultry producers must conduct weekly avian influenza testing and implement biosecurity measures if positive cases are detected. Violations can result in civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 and potential suspension of marketing claims. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to enhance consumer transparency and food safety in agricultural products.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71791